If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Experience using the Swift as a briefcase?

I know that somewhere on the forums there is probably a post about using a Swift as a briefcase-like bag for women, but I'll be darned if I can find it. I'm in need of something to use as a professional looking briefcase/daily carry at an upcoming meeting in Chicago and my Synapse 19 just isn't going to cut it. Neither is my Co-Pilot. The bag will need to be big enough for a few files, my iPad Air, and the other daily stuff I'll need (Clear Organizer Wallet, some pouches, maybe a Side Effect). I'm thinking a Swift just might do it? Thoughts? Experiences? Pictures? Thanks!

The beauty of the Swift is its versatility and its professional appearance. I use mine for knitting, I've used it as a tote when I've accompanied my husband to the hospital and I've taken it to meetings. The short answer is "yes," a Swift would work as a briefcase-like bag for a meeting. And best guess is that it will hold the things on your list.

I've used my Little Swift as a conference bag. Because it stands up on its own and is open on top, it was perfect for sneaking in and out of sessions to catch talks scattered around the convention center.

Also, I was able to fit a bottle of Perucchi vermouth in the bag, just in case you arrive at your destination a day early and happen upon an awesome wine shop while walking around town.

Though I have never seen a Swift in person, I was impressed with the video below where they show what non-knitting items can go in the Swift. It made me start to think of the Swift as an option for my wife to use:

I have my Field Journal, Side Effect, Kit (stuffed) and various bit and bobs every day. I suspect you'll be just fine with it. The only thing I'm unsure about is the ipad air. I don't know how big it is.
Moose

I use my Swift all the time as a "briefcase" - it can fit my Macbook Air (13in) in a cache but it sticks out a bit at the top. I don't like using it for airplane travel w/the laptop b/c it doesn't feel secure enough (that's where my S19, S25, or Pilot come in!) but everyday travel to work in a car it works great. In fact, I even have one in my office designated just for transporting my stuff to classes I teach. Here's another plus for the Swift - it folds up pretty compactly and fits great in an Aeronaut so you can use it when you get wherever you're going. Good luck picking your accessories!

Aaand of course the Swift is not available in Black. Sigh. Even though the LS is available in Black, I'm thinking it really won't be big enough for what I'd like it to be able to do. But then again, if I order the LS in Black Dyneema/Iberian, it would certainly fold flat in the bottom of my suitcase for use at my destination. And I already have TONS of Iberian accessories. Hmmm.....

Aaand of course the Swift is not available in Black. Sigh. Even though the LS is available in Black, I'm thinking it really won't be big enough for what I'd like it to be able to do. But then again, if I order the LS in Black Dyneema/Iberian, it would certainly fold flat in the bottom of my suitcase for use at my destination. And I already have TONS of Iberian accessories. Hmmm.....

Warning: if you need your bag to stand up on its own, you will probably want to get a ballistic Swift/LS. I recall reading somewhere that parapack Swifts tend to slump/flop. Since Dyneema is floppier, you will likely experience the same problem with that fabric!

Warning: if you need your bag to stand up on its own, you will probably want to get a ballistic Swift/LS. I recall reading somewhere that parapack Swifts tend to slump/flop. Since Dyneema is floppier, you will likely experience the same problem with that fabric!

I can confirm that the Dyneema Swift and Little Swift are floppy. I love Dyneema but you do have to adjust the material inside accordingly to make the bags stand up.

I'm not sure how much I'm worried about bag floppies - I think the color is more important at this point. I'll think this over in the few hours I have before the store opens, and give them a call to see if there's a black Swift floating around somewhere.